Elias Salomonsson

The second round starts to see players on team lists that they find intriguing but not close to guaranteed NHL prospects because the evaluation contain statements like , “if he improves then…” in the discussions. That is how I want to lead into Salomonsson’s evaluation. He has prototypical size for a defenseman prospect. He has one of the better shots in the entire draft class. He’s a smooth skater who has great acceleration who covers lots of ice in his long fluid stride. He likes to join the rush with the biscuit on his stick. He passes with good mustard on the biscuit. Varies his passes from a good backhander and a strong saucer pass.  He always has his head up looking for openings patiently. A two-way defender who is strong on the puck deep in his end and good in coverage, despite not being the strongest guy out there. He has excellent puck control under pressured in tight areas, always cool under pressure. He breaks out of scrums and starts counterattacks with sharp opening passes. Has good instincts for finding and targeting the right teammate with pucks, and is very good head manning the puck out of his end. Has shown hockey smarts in all three zones. What should now be said is all this has been in the Swedish junior with Skellefteá Jrs. So he a developmental prospect who has shown some impact as he works up the ladder to pro hockey. Needs weight and strength. He played well at the World U-18s playing solid defense and using his body in more contact than he was previously. He is another young colt that hasn’t reached the right balance between situations where he should play simple and this when he should play creative and take chances.

--Bill Płaczek--